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Sleep Apnoea Private Testing & CPAP

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 2, 2026
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TL;DR

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides this definitive guide to sleep apnoea testing and treatment in the UK. We explore the options available outside the NHS and explain how private medical insurance can help you get a swift diagnosis and navigate your care. WeCovr's guide to sleep apnoea testing and private treatment A good night's sleep is the cornerstone of good health.

Key takeaways

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): This is the most common form, affecting an estimated 1.5 million adults in the UK, with many more remaining undiagnosed. It happens when the soft tissues at the back of your throat relax and collapse during sleep, physically blocking your airway.
  • Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA): This type is less common. It occurs when your brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control your breathing. There's no physical blockage; the system simply pauses.
  • Complex (or Mixed) Sleep Apnoea: This is a combination of both OSA and CSA.
  • Loud, persistent snoring
  • Pauses in breathing, often noticed by a partner

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides this definitive guide to sleep apnoea testing and treatment in the UK. We explore the options available outside the NHS and explain how private medical insurance can help you get a swift diagnosis and navigate your care.

WeCovr's guide to sleep apnoea testing and private treatment

A good night's sleep is the cornerstone of good health. Yet for millions in the UK, restful sleep is a nightly battle. If you or your partner suspect that loud snoring, gasping for air, and constant daytime fatigue are more than just signs of a busy life, you could be dealing with sleep apnoea.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this common but serious condition. We’ll cover the symptoms, the risks of leaving it untreated, and the crucial differences between the NHS and private pathways for diagnosis and treatment. Most importantly, we'll clarify what you can—and can't—expect from your private medical insurance policy.

What Exactly is Sleep Apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts. The word "apnoea" literally means "without breath." These pauses can last from a few seconds to over a minute and can happen hundreds of time a night, often without you even realising.

This disruption starves your brain and body of oxygen, forcing you to briefly wake up to restart breathing. You won't remember these awakenings, but they wreck your sleep quality, leaving you exhausted the next day.

There are three main types of sleep apnoea:

  1. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): This is the most common form, affecting an estimated 1.5 million adults in the UK, with many more remaining undiagnosed. It happens when the soft tissues at the back of your throat relax and collapse during sleep, physically blocking your airway.
  2. Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA): This type is less common. It occurs when your brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control your breathing. There's no physical blockage; the system simply pauses.
  3. Complex (or Mixed) Sleep Apnoea: This is a combination of both OSA and CSA.

Because it's so common, this guide will focus primarily on Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

Are You at Risk? Key Symptoms and Risk Factors

Sleep apnoea can affect anyone, including children, but certain factors increase your risk. Recognising the signs is the first step toward getting help.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea:

  • Loud, persistent snoring
  • Pauses in breathing, often noticed by a partner
  • Gasping, choking, or snorting sounds during sleep
  • Waking up suddenly feeling short of breath
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness (feeling tired no matter how long you've been in bed)
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating or memory problems ("brain fog")
  • Feeling irritable or having mood swings
  • Waking up frequently during the night to urinate
  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

Key Risk Factors:

Risk FactorWhy It Matters
Excess WeightThis is the single biggest risk factor. Excess fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct breathing.
Being MaleMen are two to three times more likely to have sleep apnoea than women.
AgeThe risk increases as you get older, particularly for those over 40.
Neck CircumferenceA larger neck size (over 17 inches for men, 16 inches for women) often means a narrower airway.
Family HistoryHaving family members with sleep apnoea increases your risk.
Alcohol & SedativesThese substances relax the throat muscles, worsening airway collapse.
SmokingSmoking causes inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, narrowing it.
Nasal CongestionIf you have difficulty breathing through your nose, you're more likely to develop sleep apnoea.

The Hidden Dangers: Why You Shouldn't Ignore Sleep Apnoea

Many people dismiss snoring as a simple annoyance, but true sleep apnoea is a serious medical condition with significant long-term health risks. The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels put immense strain on your cardiovascular system.

Untreated sleep apnoea is strongly linked to:

  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The sudden drops in oxygen trigger a stress response, raising your blood pressure.
  • Heart Disease: Increased risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation).
  • Stroke: Studies show a strong link between severe OSA and an increased risk of stroke.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Sleep apnoea can interfere with your body's ability to use insulin effectively, leading to insulin resistance.
  • Daytime Accidents: The severe fatigue caused by OSA significantly increases the risk of accidents while driving or operating machinery. The Department for Transport estimates that driver fatigue is a factor in up to 20% of serious road accidents.
  • Mental Health Issues: The constant exhaustion and poor sleep can contribute to depression and anxiety.

Given these risks, getting a prompt and accurate diagnosis is not just about feeling better—it's about protecting your long-term health.

Getting a Diagnosis: The NHS vs. Private Pathways

If you suspect you have sleep apnoea, you have two main routes to a diagnosis in the UK: the NHS and the private sector.

The NHS Pathway

  1. GP Appointment: Your first step is to see your GP. They will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. They may use a screening tool like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to gauge your level of daytime sleepiness.
  2. Referral: If your GP suspects sleep apnoea, they will refer you to a specialist sleep clinic at a local hospital.
  3. Waiting List: This is often the most significant hurdle. According to NHS England data, waiting times for diagnostic tests can vary dramatically by region, often stretching for many months. As of mid-2024, millions are on NHS waiting lists for various procedures, and sleep studies are no exception.
  4. Sleep Study: Once you reach the top of the list, you'll undergo a sleep study. This is usually an at-home test where you wear monitoring equipment overnight. In some complex cases, you might be admitted for an in-clinic study.
  5. Results & Treatment Plan: A specialist will analyse the results and confirm a diagnosis. If you have OSA, the standard NHS treatment is a CPAP machine, which will be provided to you on a long-term loan.

The NHS provides excellent care, but the waiting times for a diagnosis can be a source of significant stress and can prolong the health risks associated with untreated apnoea.

The Private Pathway

The private route offers a much faster alternative, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and take control of your health journey.

  1. Referral: You can still ask your GP for a private referral to a respiratory or sleep specialist. Many private medical insurance policies require a GP referral. Alternatively, some private clinics allow for self-referral.
  2. Consultation: You will be able to see a consultant specialist, often within a week or two. They will conduct a thorough assessment.
  3. Private Sleep Study: The consultant will arrange a sleep study, which can typically be done within days. Most private tests are convenient at-home kits delivered directly to you.
  4. Rapid Diagnosis: The results are analysed quickly, and you'll have a follow-up consultation to discuss the diagnosis and treatment options, often within two weeks of your initial enquiry.

The primary benefits of the private pathway are speed and choice. You get answers fast, allowing you to start treatment sooner and mitigate the health risks.

Private Sleep Apnoea Testing Explained

Private sleep studies are designed to be as convenient and unobtrusive as possible while providing highly accurate data.

What Does a Sleep Study Measure?

Whether at home or in a clinic, a sleep study (polysomnography) measures key biological signals, including:

  • Airflow: To detect pauses in breathing.
  • Breathing Effort: To see how hard your chest and abdomen are working to breathe.
  • Blood Oxygen Levels (Oximetry): To measure the dips in oxygen saturation (a key indicator of apnoea severity).
  • Heart Rate: To monitor cardiovascular strain.
  • Snoring Intensity: To correlate sound with breathing events.
  • Sleeping Position: To see if apnoeas are worse in certain positions (e.g., on your back).

At-Home vs. In-Clinic Sleep Studies

For most suspected cases of OSA, an at-home study is the standard first-line investigation in both the NHS and the private sector.

FeatureAt-Home Sleep StudyIn-Clinic Sleep Study
ConvenienceHigh. The equipment is delivered to your door, and you sleep in your own bed.Low. Requires an overnight stay in a hospital or clinic.
EnvironmentNatural. Provides a more typical picture of your sleep patterns.Unfamiliar. Can sometimes be difficult to sleep normally with wires and a new environment.
Data CollectedMeasures key respiratory and cardiac signals. Sufficient for diagnosing most OSA cases.More comprehensive, may include brainwave monitoring (EEG) to assess sleep stages.
Best ForSuspected uncomplicated Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).Complex cases, suspected Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA), or if the at-home test is inconclusive.
Typical Private Cost£300 – £600£1,000 – £2,500+

Does Private Medical Insurance Cover Sleep Apnoea Testing?

This is a critical question, and the answer requires understanding a fundamental principle of private medical insurance UK.

Important: Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses that are new, unexpected, and likely to be resolved with a single course of treatment. It does not cover chronic conditions, which are long-term and require ongoing management. Sleep apnoea is classified as a chronic condition.

Furthermore, PMI policies almost always exclude pre-existing conditions. This means any condition for which you have had symptoms, advice, or treatment before your policy started will not be covered.

So, where does that leave sleep apnoea testing?

  1. Diagnostic Cover: Many PMI policies offer excellent cover for diagnostics. If you develop symptoms after your policy has started, your insurance will likely cover the initial consultation with a specialist and the diagnostic tests (like a sleep study) required to find out what is wrong.
  2. The "Chronic" Catch: The crucial point is what happens after the diagnosis. Once sleep apnoea is confirmed, your insurer will classify it as a chronic condition. This means while they may have paid for the diagnosis, they will not pay for the ongoing treatment (like a CPAP machine).
  3. Pre-existing Symptoms: If you had symptoms of sleep apnoea (e.g., your partner told you that you snore loudly and stop breathing) before you took out your policy, the entire condition, including the diagnostic tests, would be excluded as pre-existing.

Here's how it might work in practice:

Real-Life Example:

  • Sarah, 45, has had a PMI policy for three years. Over the last six months, she has started feeling exhausted and her husband has noticed she gasps in her sleep. These are new symptoms.
  • She gets a GP referral. Her PMI provider authorises a consultation with a private respiratory specialist and an at-home sleep study.
  • The tests cost £550, which her insurer pays in full.
  • The results confirm moderate OSA. The specialist recommends CPAP therapy.
  • Because OSA is a chronic condition, Sarah's insurer will not cover the cost of the CPAP machine or ongoing supplies. The cover for this condition ends with the diagnosis. Sarah would then need to purchase the CPAP machine herself or go back to the NHS.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you find a policy with robust diagnostic benefits, ensuring you can at least get a swift, private diagnosis, even if the long-term treatment falls outside the scope of cover.

Private Treatment for Sleep Apnoea: CPAP and Other Options

Once diagnosed, the goal of treatment is to keep your airway open while you sleep.

CPAP Therapy: The Gold Standard

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most effective and widely used treatment for moderate to severe OSA.

  • How it works: A small, quiet machine sits by your bedside. It delivers a steady stream of pressurised air through a tube to a mask that you wear over your nose or nose and mouth. This gentle air pressure acts like a "splint," keeping your airway open and preventing it from collapsing.
  • Effectiveness: For most people, the results are immediate and life-changing. From the very first night, the apnoeas and snoring stop. You'll wake up feeling refreshed for the first time in years.
  • Private CPAP Costs: If you are diagnosed privately and choose to purchase your own equipment, the costs are approximately:
    • CPAP Machine (illustrative): £500 – £1,200 (for an automatic, auto-titrating machine which is the modern standard).
    • Mask (illustrative): £80 – £150 (this is a personal item and may need replacing every 6-12 months).
    • Ongoing Supplies: Hoses, filters, and mask cushions will need periodic replacement.

Will Private Health Insurance Pay for a CPAP Machine?

In almost all cases, no. As explained above, CPAP is a treatment for a chronic condition. Standard private health cover in the UK does not pay for the long-term management of chronic conditions. The cost of the machine and its supplies will be your responsibility.

However, paying for the diagnosis privately can still be hugely beneficial, as it allows you to then take that private diagnosis back to your NHS GP. With a confirmed diagnosis in hand, your GP may be able to fast-track you onto the NHS pathway for receiving a CPAP machine, potentially saving you months on a diagnostic waiting list.

Other Treatment Options

While CPAP is the most common treatment, other options may be suitable, particularly for mild OSA or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP.

  • Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): These are like dental mouthguards that push your lower jaw and tongue forward, helping to keep the airway open. They are often effective for mild to moderate OSA. A custom-made device from a dentist can cost between £500 and £1,500.
  • Lifestyle Changes: These are crucial for everyone with sleep apnoea, either as a standalone treatment for mild cases or in conjunction with other therapies.
  • Positional Therapy: For some people, apnoea only occurs when they sleep on their back. Special devices or pillows can help you stay on your side.
  • Surgery: In specific cases, surgery to remove excess tissue from the throat (such as Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or UPPP) may be an option, but it is less common and reserved for when other treatments have failed.

Lifestyle Changes: Empowering Yourself to Breathe Easier

Making positive lifestyle changes can have a dramatic impact on sleep apnoea symptoms, and in some cases of mild OSA, may even resolve the condition.

  1. Manage Your Weight: Even a 10% reduction in body weight can reduce the severity of sleep apnoea by over 25% for many people. It's the single most effective lifestyle change you can make.
  2. Get Active: Regular moderate exercise, such as a brisk 30-minute walk five days a week, helps with weight loss and improves muscle tone in the upper airway.
  3. Avoid Alcohol Before Bed: Alcohol relaxes your throat muscles, making airway collapse more likely. Avoid it for at least four hours before sleeping.
  4. Quit Smoking: Smoking irritates and inflames your airway. Quitting will reduce this inflammation and improve your overall health immeasurably.
  5. Change Your Sleep Position: Try to sleep on your side rather than your back. You can use pillows to prop yourself up or try sewing a tennis ball onto the back of a t-shirt to make back-sleeping uncomfortable.

To support our clients on their health journey, WeCovr provides complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It's a fantastic tool to help you manage your weight and make healthier food choices as part of your sleep apnoea management plan.

How WeCovr Can Help You Navigate Your Options

Understanding the nuances of private medical insurance, especially concerning chronic conditions like sleep apnoea, can be confusing. This is where an independent, expert PMI broker comes in.

At WeCovr, we work for you, not the insurers.

  • Clarity and Honesty: We provide clear, straightforward advice about what a policy will and won't cover. We'll explain the importance of diagnostic cover and manage your expectations about long-term treatment.
  • Market Comparison: We compare policies from all the leading UK private health cover providers to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
  • No Extra Cost: Our expert advice and policy arrangement service is completely free for you. We are paid by the insurer you choose.
  • Extra Benefits: When you arrange your PMI or life insurance with us, we can also offer discounts on other types of cover, providing you with even greater value.

Navigating health concerns is stressful enough. Let us handle the insurance complexities so you can focus on what matters most—your health.


Is sleep apnoea considered a pre-existing condition for private medical insurance?

Generally, yes. If you have experienced symptoms, sought medical advice, or received treatment for sleep apnoea (or its symptoms like snoring and breathing pauses) before your policy start date, insurers will classify it as a pre-existing condition. Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover pre-existing conditions. It's vital to declare any symptoms honestly when you apply.

Will my private medical insurance pay for a CPAP machine in the UK?

It is highly unlikely. Sleep apnoea is a chronic (long-term) condition, and its ongoing management, including the provision of CPAP machines and supplies, is excluded from nearly all standard UK PMI policies. While your policy may cover the initial diagnostic tests to identify the condition (if the symptoms are new), the treatment itself is not typically covered.

Can I use a private diagnosis of sleep apnoea to get an NHS CPAP machine?

Yes, this is a common and practical approach. You can pay for a private consultation and sleep study to get a fast diagnosis. With this formal diagnosis from a specialist, you can then go back to your NHS GP. The GP can use this private report to refer you into the NHS pathway for treatment, which may allow you to get an NHS-funded CPAP machine without having to wait months for an initial NHS diagnostic appointment.

How much does it cost to get tested for sleep apnoea privately?

The cost for a private sleep apnoea investigation can vary. Typically, a package including an initial consultation with a specialist and a comprehensive at-home sleep study costs between £300 and £600. If a more detailed in-clinic sleep study is required, the cost can rise to between £1,000 and £2,500.

Ready to explore your options for private health cover?

Don't let waiting lists put your health on hold. Get a swift diagnosis and peace of mind. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and expert advice tailored to your needs.

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Sources

  • Department for Transport (DfT): Road safety and transport statistics.
  • DVLA / DVSA: UK vehicle and driving regulatory guidance.
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI): Motor insurance market and claims publications.
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance conduct and consumer information guidance.
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WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.

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What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

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Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

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It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

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The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

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Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.

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